Dangerous dementia myths to unlearn

Dementia is group of disorders that affect the memory.[File, Standard]

Dementia is often viewed as an inevitable part of growing old. For many people, the word immediately brings to mind an elderly person struggling to remember names, places, or familiar faces.

However, scientists say this understanding is increasingly outdated.

Dementia is not a single disease, nor is it simply a normal consequence of ageing. It is an umbrella term for a range of conditions that affect the brain, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and Lewy body dementia.

More than 55 million people worldwide are living with dementia, with nearly 10 million new cases recorded every year. As populations continue to age, the number is projected to rise sharply, reaching an estimated 139 million people by 2050.

Yet, even as dementia becomes more common, scientists are learning that some of the beliefs surrounding the condition are dangerously wrong.

According to neuroscientist Dr Antonella Santuccione Chadha, CEO of the Women’s Brain Foundation, advances in brain research are challenging many long-held assumptions about dementia.

Here are six common myths experts say need to be unlearned.

 Dementia only starts in old age.

One of the most common misconceptions is that dementia is a condition that begins only when a person is elderly.

While age is one of the biggest risk factors, dementia can affect younger people. Frontotemporal dementia, for example, is commonly diagnosed between the ages of 45 and 65. Early-onset Alzheimer’s disease can also occur before the age of 65.

The  biological processes associated with some forms of dementia may begin long before symptoms become noticeable.

“Dementia starts 20 years before symptoms manifest,” Chadha says.

In Alzheimer’s disease, proteins known as amyloid and tau can gradually accumulate in the brain. Over time, these proteins may interfere with the normal functioning of brain cells, contributing to cognitive decline.

Because the process can be slow, changes may occur in the brain for years or even decades before a diagnosis is made.

The earliest symptoms may also not appear as obvious memory loss. Changes in mood, motivation, energy, personality or behavior can sometimes emerge first.

Persistent changes should therefore not automatically be dismissed as stress or normal ageing.

Dementia is not only about memory loss.

Memory loss is perhaps the most recognised symptom of dementia, but it is far from the only one.

Depending on the type of dementia, a person may experience changes in reasoning, movement, language, behavior, planning and the ability to perform familiar daily activities.

“Alzheimer’s is about much more than memory; it’s about how you function,” says Chadha.

A person may begin struggling with tasks they have performed for years. Someone who has prepared coffee the same way every morning may suddenly find it difficult to follow the steps.

Changes in movement, repeated falls and tremors may also be important warning signs.

Vascular dementia, for example, can affect executive functions such as planning, concentration and decision-making, particularly in the early stages.

This means a person may remember information but struggle to organise tasks, manage finances or make decisions.

Dementia is a normal part of ageing.

Growing older does not automatically mean developing dementia.

Some forgetfulness can occur with normal ageing. A person may occasionally forget a name or misplace their keys but remember later.

Dementia, however, involves more significant changes that interfere with everyday life.

The distinction is important because dismissing concerning symptoms as “just old age” can delay diagnosis and support.

While there is currently no cure for most forms of dementia, early assessment can help identify the cause of symptoms, rule out other conditions, and allow individuals and families to plan for the future.

Nothing can be done to reduce the risk.

For many years, dementia was viewed as something people could do little to prevent.

Research now presents a more complex picture.

Although some risk factors, including age and genetics, cannot be changed, evidence increasingly suggests that a range of factors influences brain health throughout life.

High blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, social isolation and untreated hearing loss  have all been linked to increased dementia risk.

Protecting the brain may therefore involve many of the same measures that protect the heart and blood vessels.

Regular physical activity, a balanced diet, managing blood pressure and diabetes, avoiding smoking, maintaining social connections and continuing to engage the brain may all contribute to healthier ageing.

A dementia diagnosis means life is over.

A dementia diagnosis can be devastating for individuals and families. But it does not mean that a person immediately loses their identity, independence or ability to enjoy life.

Many people continue to work, maintain relationships, pursue hobbies and participate in family and community life for years after diagnosis.

Stigma and isolation can worsen the experience of living with the condition. People with dementia are often excluded from conversations about their own care and future, even though they may still be capable of expressing their wishes and making important decisions.

A diagnosis should therefore be viewed not only as an ending, but also as an opportunity to understand what is happening and plan appropriate support.

Dementia is inevitable, so brain health only matters in old age.

Perhaps one of the most dangerous myths is that brain health only matters later in life.

Scientists increasingly view dementia risk as a lifelong issue.

The health of the brain is influenced by factors that can begin much earlier, including education, cardiovascular health, physical activity, sleep, nutrition and social connection.

Dementia is complex, and genetics, ageing and environmental factors all play a role. However, the growing body of research suggests that the choices people make across the life course can influence brain health.

Researchers are also exploring new treatments, earlier diagnostic tools and ways of identifying biological changes before symptoms become severe.

At the same time, evidence suggests that dementia risk may be declining in some generations, possibly because of improvements in education, cardiovascular health and the management of risk factors.

But experts warn that scientific progress will have limited impact if public understanding does not keep pace.

Dementia is not simply a disease of memory. It does not necessarily begin in extreme old age, and it is not an inevitable part of growing older.

Understanding these realities could help reduce stigma, encourage earlier assessment and empower people to take steps to protect their brain health throughout life.